I'm going to get fired

[Anonymous]

I have very severe migraines and the first trimester was pretty rough, fortunately it seemed to get better after about midway through the second. There are actually a lot of options. My doctors prescribed Fioricet, Tylenol with codeine, and when things got really bad I could take demerol (I imagine it would be pretty tough to work on demerol but it might be what you need to "break" the headache, sleep off the demoral and get back to work). I'm not sure but you may be able to take Tordol which is like demerol but I think its non narcotic (if that makes sense).

Also, I drank a lot of caffeine (a couple of sodas a day) but caffeine generally seems to help my headaches.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Wow, I'm sorry there are so many people in this miserable boat! Clearly this is a fairly common issue in pregnancy, and I'm now surprised that my doctor had such an unimaginative approach to my dilemna. Sounds like there ARE options, hallelujah! Trust me, if I could get through this without meds I absolutely would. I'm normally pretty stoic, and I never miss work. But I can't even stand up straight when I have a migraine, never mind shower, drive, and perform at work. I am reeeeeeeally thankful that these only come when pregnant- I truly and sincerely feel for those of you for whom this is a chronic problem, UGH. So thank for the advice.

As far as getting a second opinion, can I just call any OB and make an appointment? Would my insurance cover that? Do I have to then tell my OB if I get a prescription and start taking a medication?

And as for FMLA and all that good stuff, unfortunately I work part time (24 hours a week) and so am not eligible for those benefits. That is also why I'm worried, as a part-time employee, my position is already tenuous without missing a ton of days on top of it. Arrgh!

Thanks again, you guys are awesome!

[Anonymous]

Much sympathy to you, as I am also a migraine sufferer of many, many years, and they have continued in pregnancy (though reduced). My protocol, arranged in advance through my Nurse Midwife & Neurologist, is to start with 2 Tylenols and a cup of coffee, an ice pack and a quiet, dark room and rest. Then if that doesn't work, Fiorecet prescription. So far, this has worked. Normally, I take Imitrex & Vicodin, but Imitrex in particular is not ideal in pregnancy. Fiorecet does not work as well and takes much longer to get rid of a serious migraine, but it diminishes it and eventually, they have gone away. You really must see a Neurologist to get these dealt with, and then I agree, work with your Employer, because these are valid "disabilities" of pregnancy. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

If you are employed in DC and quailify for FMLA you can take 16 weeks and medical AND 16 weeks of family. (Not necessarily paid for but you can take the time for your pregnancy without cutting into your maternity leave.) I was on bedrest for months and did this.

[Anonymous]

see the post called PSA on DC FMLA.